Pakistan Police Station Attacked, 24 Dead Including 9 Officers

A deadly attack on a police station in northern Pakistan has left 24 people dead, including nine police officers. Fifteen attackers were also killed in the ensuing security operation, while dozens of others were injured.

The attack occurred on Wednesday at a police station in the Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to police, a large number of armed men targeted the station, resulting in the deaths of nine officers and injuries to 26 others.

In response, security forces killed 15 attackers and injured several others. The attack also caused significant damage to a police vehicle and other equipment.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Claims Responsibility

The banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack through a video message on social media. The group has intensified its attacks on security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent months.

Last Friday, a similar attack occurred at a security checkpoint in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the deaths of 15 people, including soldiers, police, and government officials.

Pakistan Blames Afghanistan-Based Militants

The Pakistani government has blamed militant groups operating from Afghanistan for the increasing violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. However, the Taliban government in Afghanistan has denied these allegations, stating that it will not allow its territory to be used against any neighboring country.

Tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent months over this issue. Pakistan has carried out airstrikes targeting militants in Afghan territory, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians in June, according to the Taliban administration and the United Nations.